Gulf Air, the state carrier of Bahrain, have become the latest airline to partner with Space X’s Starlink for high-speed inflight WiFi.
Announced on 27 January, the deal will see Gulf Air’s entire fleet upgraded for Starlink compatibility, beginning in mid-2026 with its A320s. The carrier joins notable competitors in the region, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, in signing with the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider.
Gulf Air Group Chairman, Khalid Hussain Taq, said:
Introducing Starlink across Gulf Air’s fleet demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. Advanced connectivity on every flight redefines what passengers can expect from the national carrier. It also supports Bahrain’s digital transformation goals, and empowers our cabin crew to deliver seamless, exceptional service.
Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss added:
With Starlink on board, Gulf Air is bringing next-generation in-flight connectivity to all passengers, whether traveling for leisure or business. From boarding until arrival, customers can stream, game, work, or stay in touch with loved ones, regardless of cabin or ticket type. This upgrades the entire travel experience and reinforces our commitment to delivering premium, seamless connectivity for every journey.
Starlink hit the headlines last week after it became the centre of a public spat between SpaceX founder Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. While O’Leary claimed that equipping aircraft with Starlink antennae was an unnecessary expense for a low-cost carrier (LCC), increasing numbers of legacy carriers are signing up to the satellite provider’s global WiFi service. As well as its partners in the Gulf, Starlink’s list of airlines encompasses Lufthansa Group, IAG, and United, among others.
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